Silkmark Tussar Dynamic Blockprint Red & Cream Saree

What does the Dynamic saree look like?

It has a plain red body with gold-coloured stripes, and a cream end panel printed with red blossom branches. The cream panel with its scattered blossoms gives the strong red a lighter, softer end.

Which blouse suits red with a cream blossom panel?

A cream blouse picks up the blossom panel and lightens the look; a red one is classic and coordinated. Gold jewellery suits the red and the gold-coloured stripes. A small red bindi finishes it.

It will sit in my cupboard between occasions. Any storage tips?

It will mostly come out for festivals and evening dinners, with the occasional office outing, so it may rest a while in between. Fold it into a separate bag and keep it somewhere dry. When you remember, open it out, air it away from damp and change the folds. That keeps the tussar fresh and free of set-in creases.

Is it pure tussar?

Yes. The fabric is Silkmark certified tussar silk, and the Silkmark label from the Silk Mark Organisation of India exists to guarantee authenticity and purity. What you feel is tussar's own texture and natural sheen.

Will it feel smooth or textured?

Textured. This is Ghicha tussar, spun from the shorter fibres left over in tussar production, so the surface is slightly coarser than regular tussar. You'll feel a gentle grain in the hand along with the natural sheen, and it suits the earthy look of a hand-stamped print.

Are no two pieces exactly the same?

Each one carries its own small differences. The print is stamped by hand with carved blocks, so pressure, alignment and dye depth shift slightly from piece to piece. These minor irregularities are the uniqueness of handcrafted work, and worth looking for rather than worrying about.